Get ready for the invasion of groms in the line up at Waikiki come April 23 and 24 for the 19th Annual T&C Surf / Surfer Magazine Grom Contest presented by Chili’s Grill & Bar. These little rippers will test their skills at Queen’s surf break as they participate in a non-competitive surf contest just for kids. The Grom Contest is designed so all entry level surfers ages 3-12 years old are eligible to surf only one division providing more kids a opportunity to compete. The contest is usually at full capacity each year, so make sure to get your entry in early. All contestants receive a contest T-shirt, lunch, and goodie bag.
The event gives groms the chance to develop their skills at one of the South Shore’s premier surf breaks with the iconic Diamond Head as a back drop. This contest is different from the host of others on Oahu because it strictly prohibits contestants who have entered an NSSA, HASA, or any other organized competitive surfing branch from entering the event. T&C Surf produces the event each year to introduce young surfers to the world of competitive surfing in a less-intense setting. “Our annual GROM contest is the source of great pride”, says Craig Sugihara, founder / owner of T&C Surf. “What better way to share the STOKE of surfing! Watching the kids enjoy the waves at Queen’s and create life memories is always a joyful experience. All of us at T&C look forward to this opportunity to give back to the local surfing community.” Kids also get stoked about being in the spotlight of Surfer Magazine, shared title sponsor of the event. “As always, SURFER is proud to help support this year’s T&C Grom Contest! The T&C crew has helped create happy memories for the hundreds of kids who have participated over the years”, says Jeremy Schluntz, Associate General Manager of Surfer Magazine.
Family and friends from across the island chain take over the shore line to support their favorite groms. The fun kicks off Saturday with a full day of heats in three divisions for boys and girls: shortboard, longboard and bodyboard. The contest also includes a kokua division for keiki 3-6 years old that allows parental assistance in the line up. In-between heats, kids participate in beach games and score prizes from their favorite surf brands. Before the sun sets, the top young surfers will advance to the finals on Sunday.
Photo: Courtesy T&C SurfAdults can also get in on the fun by signing up for the “FreeSurf Expression Session” on Sunday afternoon. Parents join keiki in a special adult/child tandem surf event that gives them the opportunity to share the waves family style. “Watching kids play in the ocean and seeing them and their families smile never gets old! We love being associated with the event and look forward to many more years to come”, says Mike Latronic, publisher of Free Surf Magazine. The Expression Session is open to all adults and children (with a sibling in the event). On-site limited entry is free and prizes are awarded to the top three teams.
The event wraps up with the final heats on Sunday, where the top six in each division receive medals and prize packs filled with surf products from event sponsors, including the opportunity to win one of two custom T&C Surf boards.
The T&C / Surfer Grom Contest is presented by Chili’s Grill & Bar and supported by GoPro, Dakine, Vans, Naked Juice and Board Stories TV. The Boy’s & Girls Club of Hawaii has been our local non profit partner for the event for many years now.
Entry forms are available at all T&C Surf locations and online at TCSurf.com/grom16 and on www.facebook.com/TCSurfGromContest. The public can call 808-483-8711 for more information.
Photo: Courtesy T&C SurfAbout T&C Surf
Founded in 1971 by surfboard shaper Craig Sugihara, T&C Surf operates three divisions: surfboards, retail and licensing. The surfboard division operates from a state-of-the art shaping facility in Wahiawa. It provides our highly skilled board shapers with the best tools for designing and producing some of the world’s most sought-after boards. The retail division includes seven locations on Oahu; Ala Moana Center, Kahala Mall, Pearlridge Shopping Center, Ward Warehouse, Ward Centre, Windward Mall and Haleiwa Store Lots. The licensing division has agreements around the world, including Japan, Brazil, Australia and New Zealand. Visit us online at TCSurf.com.